Frequently mentioned mayoral contender City Commissioner Curtis Richardson has been waiting in the wings for Montford to make up his mind. Montford called Richardson this afternoon to let him know he wasn’t running for mayor.

Buy Photo

City Commissioner Curtis Richardson during Wednesday's City Commission meeting at City Hall.(Photo: Hali Tauxe/Democrat)

But Richardson said he wasn’t ready to make up his mind just yet.

“I will continue to give it strong consideration. I will talk to my wife and daughters tonight and decide if that is something we’re prepared to do,” Richardson said.

Richardson is a former Leon County School Board member and state representative who lost to Montford in the Democratic primary for the state Senate in 2010.

Richardson won a special election to the City Commission in 2014.

“I enjoy serving my community, but I’d be content continuing to serve as a commissioner as well,” Richardson said.

He wanted to talk to several people and get their input before making up his mind.

Former state representative Michelle Rehwinkel Vasilinda mingles during Associated Industries of Florida's (AIF) annual reception held on the eve of session, where hundreds of lobbyists, legislators and members of Tallahassee's political set gathered for cocktails and conversation in the courtyard behind AIF headquarters Monday. (Photo: Hali Tauxe/Democrat)

“It’s not about who’s in the race but what direction I want to go with my public service,” said Vasilinda, who served in the House from 2008 to 2016 as a Democrat, became an independent, campaigned for Trump, and finally joined the GOP.

She wouldn’t rule out a run for the Legislature but doesn’t want to wait two years.

“I would rather run for mayor at this point in time than wait for those seats to open,” Vasilinda said. “I’d like to serve the city and would land there if that’s what folks want.”
Also mentioned as a potential candidate is lobbyist Gus Corbella.